Kaolin
Hydrated aluminum silicate
Also known as: Kaogel VP · Prokolin · Kaolin Light · Bolus alba · China clay
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment of diarrhoea of non-specific origin | 0.5-1.0 ml/kg | PO | divided into 3-4 doses daily | Until stool consistency improves | 🌍 EU |
- Treatment of diarrhoea of non-specific origin: Dose is given as a total daily dose, which may be divided 3-4 times daily.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment of diarrhoea of non-specific origin | 0.5-1.0 ml/kg | PO | divided into 3-4 doses daily | Until stool consistency improves | 🌍 EU |
- Treatment of diarrhoea of non-specific origin: Dose is given as a total daily dose, which may be divided 3-4 times daily.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Kaolin is an adsorbent antidiarrheal agent used in veterinary medicine to treat non-specific diarrhea in dogs and cats. While it is effective at improving stool consistency by binding water and potentially toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, it does not address the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
Clinical Warning: Studies do not show that kaolin corrects fluid balance or shortens the duration of morbidity. It should never replace appropriate fluid therapy in dehydrated patients.
Clinical Pearl: Kaolin is frequently formulated in combination products (e.g., with pectin, probiotics, or other adsorbents like bismuth salts and aluminum hydroxide) to enhance its gastrointestinal soothing effects.
Mechanism of action
Kaolin acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract as an adsorbent.
- It binds to water, toxins, and potentially enteropathogenic bacteria, preventing their systemic absorption and reducing fluid loss in the stool.
- It may also possess a mild antisecretory effect.
- Kaolin is not absorbed systemically → Excreted unchanged in the feces.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Intestinal obstruction
- Intestinal perforation
Adverse effects
- Constipation (especially with prolonged use or high doses)
- Fecal impaction (rare)
Precautions
Normal handling precautions should be observed.
Hydration Status: Does not correct fluid balance. Ensure the patient is adequately hydrated and consider concurrent fluid therapy if clinical signs of dehydration are present. Drug Spacing: Because of its adsorbent properties, kaolin should be administered at least 2 hours apart from other oral medications to prevent decreased absorption.
Drug interactions
Decreased gastrointestinal absorption of lincomycin
Decreased gastrointestinal absorption of trimethoprim
Decreased gastrointestinal absorption of sulphonamides
Monitoring
- Fecal consistency and frequency
- Hydration status
- Signs of constipation or straining to defecate
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Not absorbed systemically from the gastrointestinal tract.
Distribution
Remains entirely within the gastrointestinal lumen.
Metabolism
Not metabolized.
Elimination
Excreted unchanged in the feces.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity since kaolin is not absorbed. However, excessive administration may lead to severe constipation or bowel impaction. Treatment is supportive, including discontinuation of the drug, hydration, and potentially mild laxatives if impaction occurs.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral aqueous suspension (0.99 g Kaolin Light per 5 ml)
- Combination oral pastes/suspensions (with pectin, magnesium trisilicate, aluminium hydroxide, bismuth salts, calcium carbonate)
Veterinary
- Kaogel VP (0.99 g/5 ml oral suspension)
- Prokolin (combination paste)
Human-labeled
- Kaopectate (historical formulations, note: modern human Kaopectate in some regions contains bismuth subsalicylate instead of kaolin)
Regulatory status
Available OTC in various formulations.
AVM-GSL (Authorised Veterinary Medicine - General Sales List)
AVM-GSL (General sale)
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from freezing. Shake well before use.
Client information
Kaolin is used to help firm up your pet's stool during episodes of mild diarrhea.
- Hydration is key: This medication does not replace lost fluids. Ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water.
- Administration: Shake the liquid well before measuring the dose.
- Timing: Give this medication at least 2 hours apart from other oral medications, as it can bind to them and stop them from being absorbed properly.
- When to call the vet: If the diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, contains blood, or if your pet becomes lethargic, stops eating, or starts vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.